Recharge and rejuvenate on Florida’s Singer Island: From spa luxury to snorkeling adventures
Have you heard of Singer Island? Even those who live in South Florida aren’t always privy to this special slice of heaven in Palm Beach County that’s quietly tucked away in the city of Riviera Beach and the town of Palm Beach Shores.
If you’re looking to slip away on a rejuvenating vacation that reduces stress and increases happiness, the peninsula of Singer Island is a solitary spot that’s flanked by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. With beautiful beaches, a new luxury wellness resort and a wealth of serene parks and underwater activities that put you in touch with nature, this is a dream getaway worthy of a recharge.
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Melt away stress at Amrit Ocean Resort
The Vibe: Whether you’re a serious wellness devotee or a vacationer looking for a pampering getaway in Florida, the newly opened Amrit Ocean Resort on Singer Island is the type of place where the rhythmic sounds of lapping waves mingle with the soothing aromas of eucalyptus and salt air. Guests are often seen wandering around in plush spa robes with a healthy juice in hand, and more importantly, they’re visiting for a mind-body reset.
Why Go: Set on a seven-mile stretch of beach and tucked behind a lush hedge of sea grapes and canopies of palm trees, the new luxury resort is centered around mindfulness and wellness — and upholds that ethos within its massive four-story wellness and spa facility featuring innovative gadgets and exclusive amenities. Spa guests (or those hotel guests who buy a pricey day pass) will start their journey in the aayush, an indoor-outdoor hydrothermal circuit, the first of its kind in Florida. Alternate between the frigid cold plunge and warm bubbling pools to boost circulation, sweat it out in the sauna and steam rooms, breathe in the salt air of the salt therapy chamber, do some laps in the pool, or simply take a snooze on one of the loungers. The relaxation room is a place of respite that’s worthy of lingering, as it overlooks the ocean and offers an outdoor terrace meant for soaking up the salt air and the hotel’s prime beach views.
Spa Standouts: If you’ve flown into Palm Beach, the spa’s second floor is an ideal spot to rejuvenate from a long travel day. When I visited Amrit, I had just returned to South Florida on a long-haul flight from Ireland — my eyes were red, and I was physically and mentally exhausted. To combat jet lag, I booked a wellness package that included a 20-minute stint in a red-light therapy bed to fight inflammation, followed by a stretch in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber to breathe in pure oxygen while zoning out to music. I can honestly admit that I emerged with clear eyes and instantly felt recharged thanks to the jolt of oxygen. I also tried out one of the zero-gravity chairs while donning headphones and listening to a guided meditation, which is a Zen experience.
If you’re looking for a results-driven facial, book the MediSpa Facial Rejuvenation — Amrit is the only spa offering this treatment in Palm Beach County. During this 80-minute treatment, an expert esthetician will use a flurry of gadgets, including microcurrent, ultrasound, radio frequency and an oxygen infusion, to lift, tighten and encourage glowing skin. You’ll look like a million bucks when you emerge.
What To Do On Property: Hotel guests can take part in complimentary daily wellness classes that range from yoga to guided beach walks to sound bath meditation. The sound bath meditation class was my personal favorite, as I cozied up under a blanket on a mat and soaked up the vibrations and sounds of the Tibetan singing bowls. I was lulled into a deep state of relaxation, and it when it was over, I noticed that some attendees had fallen asleep.
Echoing the vibes of Singer Island, the resort is quiet, and chill days are mainly spent sunbathing on the beach or by the pool. I enjoyed waking up early and watching the sunrise from my oceanfront balcony. At night, I sprinkled my soaking tub with complimentary bath salts and mentally escaped with a good book before climbing into the pillowy bed.
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Bottom Line: Like many luxe wellness resorts, this stay is a splurge; but if you’re looking for advanced wellness treatments, it’s one of the few wellness resorts in Florida with all the latest and greatest innovations.
Other Resorts to Consider: You can also soak up Singer Island’s stunning beach views and chill vibes at resorts including The Singer Oceanfront Resort and Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa.
Seek out serenity on Singer Island
Singer Island exudes outdoor serenity with nature-rich parks like Ocean Reef Park that’s dotted with sea grapes, along with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. One of the area’s best beaches is found on nearby Peanut Island, where the water is gin-clear and the vast marine life rivals what you’d see snorkeling in the Caribbean. If you don’t have a boat, take the shuttle boat (tickets start at $25 round trip) over to Peanut Island and spend the day meandering the paved nature trails (think of it as South Florida’s version of forest bathing) and snorkeling its clear waters. (Science backs up the relaxing effect of watching fish.) Best tip: Look for bright orange cushion starfish, manatees and other sea life. If your idea of a mindful vacation includes sleeping in the outdoors, you can even camp overnight on Peanut Island.
Another relaxing underwater experience: Weave along the Phil Foster Memorial Snorkel Trail in Riviera Beach, a two-acre snorkel trail lined with limestone boulders for easy direction. For something truly special, book an excursion with Pura Vida Divers in Singer Island, which offers guided snorkeling and diving trips at the Blue Heron Bridge.
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Talk about underwater tranquility — this is the place to spot seahorses, octopuses, giant sea stars and loads of tropical fish. They even offer a photography trip where they’ll snap underwater photos of you posing with the marine life.
If you’re looking for a wellness vacation for the mind, body and spirit, Singer Island remains an undiscovered gem meant for recharging.
